Fire, Smoke at Metro Center Station; Service Back to Normal

An arcing insulator was reported on the lower level of the Metro Center station, Metro says

Receive the latest transit updates in your inbox

Metro rider John Grant took this picture of a fire on the tracks at Metro Center.

What to Know

Metro train service between McPherson Square and Federal Triangle stations on the Orange and Blue lines has resumed.

A witness told News4 the fire started on the Silver Line track before a train arrived.

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority said the incident was cleared and rail service was restored to the Metro Center Station.

Metro train service between McPherson Square and Federal Triangle stations on the Orange and Blue lines has resumed after fire and smoke forced delays inside the Metro Center station during the Friday afternoon rush.

Shortly after 5 p.m Friday., there was a report of an arcing insulator on the lower level, according to Metro Transit police and a Metro spokesperson. Service was suspended on the Orange, Blue and Silver lines.

A witness told News4 the fire started on the Silver Line track before a train arrived. A spokeswoman for Metro said at about 5:40 p.m. Friday, the fire has been put out and D.C. Fire and EMS has left the station.

On Saturday morning, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority said the incident was cleared and rail service was restored to the Metro Center Station. No injuries were reported.

Riders shared photos on social media of fire on the tracks, smoke emerging from tunnels and passengers standing on crowded platforms.

Riders shared photos on social media of fire on the tracks, smoke emerging from tunnels and passengers standing on crowded platforms.